How does your X5 steer?
 

I just bought a used X5 and the steering feels like there is no power steering at all. It clicks at low speeds when turning tight and can barely steer with one hand, its very frustrating. Trying to figure if this is normal or what to fix.

Describe how your X5 steers at low and high speeds please.

The clicking sound is possibly your axle/cv boot. Get underneath and see if the boots are leaking grease. Also check your power steering fluid (ATF). As far as steering/handling goes...BMW ain't Honda, it takes a bit more effort at lower speeds.

If it's that much of an issue, have it inspected.

Alot of BMWs have a kinda heavy steering feel, and lots of people like it that way. It keeps the driver more connected to the road via better road feel. There are X5s available with servotronic steering which has more assist and easier steering effort, but you probably don't have that.

To get some better feel you could try changing the steering fluid, it may be old/burnt. (don't know what year/model X5 you have)

had same problem with my first E53.....low fluid!

The steering is a bit hard, but the road feel from the steering is great. Although sometimes in heavy traffic I wish it was a bit more like my neibors Lexus which is so soft your could probably execute a 3 point turn with your pinky finger. :rofl:

steering is lighter than my other car and all the other BMW's I have owned (2 of them M cars). It's very good, but I could stand for a heavier feel myself. Lexus - bleah... :damn:

Could it be from the large tires? Heavy steering here also.

Your steering feel is lighter because you have the IS model with servotronic. That's what I have too naturally, and I git to drive the non servotronic X5s all the time to feel the difference.

I did not know that. Why would BMW put lighter steering on the IS models??? :dunno:

Consider yourself lucky, it's an amazing feature :thumbup: steering my 3.0i in heavy traffic is like weight lifting :D